1. concentration animal operations calculation
Completing a Manure Management Plan Workshop
concentration animal operations calculation
This is an optional module that may be included at the beginning of workshop to determine if any participants are CAOs. v

2. Guidance Factsheet Agronomy Facts 54
Pennsylvania’s Nutrient Management Act (Act 38): Who Is Affected?
Used to identify Concentrated Animal Operations (CAOs) in Pennsylvania
Based on animal density
CAOs require an Act 38 nutrient management plan
MMP is not acceptable for a CAO
Table 1. Standard Animal Weights
Used to calculate Animal Equivalent Units (AEUs)

3. Definitions Animal Unit (AU) Animal Equivalent Unit (AEU)
One thousand pounds of live weight of livestock or poultry regardless of actual individual numbers
Animal Equivalent Unit (AEU)
One thousand pounds live weight of livestock or poultry on an annualized basis regardless of the actual individual numbers
Annualized Basis
Based on the actual number of days out of 365 that the animals are on the operation
AEUs Per Acre
An animal equivalent unit per acre of cropland suitable for application of animal manure
Concentrated Animal Operation (CAO)
Agricultural operations with 8 or more AEUs where the animal density exceeds two AEUs per acre on an annualized basis

4. Agronomy Facts 54 - Table 1
Use these tables for animal weights for the sample problem. Weight tables can be found on Penn State’s Agronomy Facts 54, PA’s Nutrient Management Act (Act 38): Who is Affected?; Table 1.

5. Acres available for manure ÷ Animal Density: AEUs/Acre =
Animal Type
No. Animals X
Animal
Weight (lbs) ÷
1000
Production
Days
365
AEUs
Total AEUs =
Acres available for manure ÷
Animal Density: AEUs/Acre =

6. 15 Grow Finish Hogs on farm for 100 days
Animal Inventory: 8 Draft Horses, 6 Mules, and 4 Ponies on farm entire year
15 Grow Finish Hogs on farm for 100 days
Land Inventory: Farmstead - 2 Acres
Woodland - 5 Acres
Pasture - 10 Acres
Rented Cropland - 12 Acres
Animal Type
No. Animals X
Animal
Weight (lbs) ÷
1000
Production
Days
365
AEUs
Total AEUs =
Acres available for manure ÷
Animal Density: AEUs/Acre =
Fill in the chart using the example provided and use the equation to decide if this sample farm is a CAO or an AO. Then use the process to determine if your own farm would classify as either a CAO or an AO.

7. 15 Grow Finish Hogs on farm for 100 days
Animal Inventory: 8 Draft Horses, 6 Mules, and 4 Ponies on farm entire year
15 Grow Finish Hogs on farm for 100 days
Land Inventory: Farmstead - 2 Acres
Woodland - 5 Acres
Pasture - 10 Acres
Rented Cropland - 12 Acres
Animal Type
No. Animals X
Animal
Weight (lbs) ÷
1000
Production
Days
365
AEUs
Draft Horses 8
1800
14.4
Mules 6
1100
6.6
Ponies 4
600
2.4
Hogs 15
155
100
.64
Total AEUs =
24.04
Acres available for manure ÷ 22
Animal Density: AEUs/Acre =
1.09
Fill in the chart using the example provided and use the equation to decide if this sample farm is a CAO or an AO. Then use the process to determine if your own farm would classify as either a CAO or an AO.

8. Calculate your farm’s animal density and CAO status
Manure Management Plan Exercise
Calculate your farm’s animal density and CAO status
Animal Type
No. Animals X
Animal
Weight (lbs) ÷
1000
Production
Days
365
AEUs
Total AEUs =
Acres available for manure ÷
Animal Density: AEUs/Acre =
Please take the time now and calculate your farms total AEUs and total animal density, so you will know if you are a CAO or AO.

9. Concentrated Animal Operations (CAOs)
Concentrated Animal Operation (CAO)
Must have at least 8 AEUs
Animal density is greater than 2 AEUs per acre
CAOs are required to have an Act 38 nutrient management plan
Written by a certified specialist
May participate in the workshop for the educational benefit
Cannot substitute a manure management plan

10. DEP Manure Management Plan Act 38 Nutrient Management Plan Written By
DEP Manure Management Plan
Act 38 Nutrient Management Plan
Written By
Farmer
Certified Nutrient Management Planner
Cost
May be of no cost to farmer
Cost varies by operation
Who Needs One
Farms that produce or land apply manure
Concentrated Animal Operations
Regulates
Animal Concentration Areas
Manure Storages
Pasture
Mechanical Manure Application
Agency
Regulated by DEP
Regulated by SCC
Approval
None required
Approved by Conservation District Board
Liability Protection
None claimed
Limited liability for civil complaints